Thursday, February 26, 2009

So, if you are looking for a tasty Italian pasta sauce that is gluten free look no further than Rao's Pasta Sauces. They come in an assortment of varieties including Marinara, Arrabbiata, Cuore Di Pomodoro, Puttanesca, Siciliana, Pepper and Mushroom, and Vodka sauce.

Rao's is an Italian restaurant that was first opened in New York City's East Harlem in 1896 at the corner of 114th Street and Pleasant Avenue by a man named Charles Rao. After Charles passed away his sons Louis and Vincent took over at the restaurant. Louis Rao ran the restaurant until his death in 1958. In 1974, Vincent's wife, Anna, joined him in running the restaurant.

Currently, the owners of Rao's are Ron Straci (Vincent's nephew) and Frank Pellegrino (Anna's nephew). Frank Pellegrino also sings at the restaurant. Rao's is open for dinner Monday thru Friday but only has 10 tables and one seating per evening, so reservations far in advance are a must. Rao's also has one other location at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The great news is that their pasta sauces are available at most supermarkets and can also be ordered individually or in gift packages at their website, www.raos.com.